The Ace is more than happy to stick around competing in New Japan.
It was announced last December that Hiroshi Tanahashi had been appointed as the new President and Representative Director. The 47-year-old legend is still an active professional wrestler and won the NJPW World Television Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18 against Zack Sabre Jr while handling the behind-the-scenes duties.
When asked if he was surprised about being appointed, this is what Tanahashi had to say about it to Proresu-TODAY.
“In terms of timing, ……, it’s 50-50. I was surprised. As a wrestler, I’ve challenged for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship once, but I lost and haven’t been crowned. I believe that as a wrestler, when you stop aiming to be the best, that’s when it’s time to retire. When I asked myself, ‘Do you want to wear that belt?’ I thought, ‘I want to wear it,’ so I think my retirement is still a long way off,” Tanahashi said.
It was recently announced by New Japan Pro-Wrestling that Tanahashi will not be able to compete at NJPW Sakura Genesis due to an injury to his ankle.
h/t from Fightful.
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